The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

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Entire home

Architectural mood lighting for a soothing evening

Aerial view of the main house and adjacent master bedroom area.

Aerial view: main house (R) and master suite (L) connected by covered breezeway

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61632 sq ft

Popular amenities

Pool

Outdoor Space

Free WiFi

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Washer

Check out the area

Kailua-Kona, HI

Magic Sands Beach5 min drive
Kahalu'u Beach Park6 min drive
Kailua Pier7 min drive
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)108 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Master Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Shared Guest Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Created for the McCormick Spice family, the Onion House is a unique architectural treasure with stunning visual aesthetics. It has been featured on MTV, Travel Channel, Learning Channel, Fine Living Channel, HGTV, Global Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Digest.

You will have the entire house to yourselves. Swim and sunbathe in privacy on the huge lot that is well screened via foliage. You'll feel alone in your world, enjoying the 70' pool (unheated), gardens and lily ponds. The terrace faces sunsets and Kailua Bay, providing the ideal setting for candlelight dinners. The translucent roof and walls of stained glass allow filtered sunlight throughout. The detached master suite features a private walled garden. A covered outdoor walkway leading to the master bedroom structure is flanked by lily ponds and the turquoise pool overlooking the sea.

With grounds of nearly an acre, five minutes from town or beach, this is the perfect base camp for exploring the Big Island. If you google this property name, you can learn a great deal more about it from our personal website. Read the page "Vacation at the Onion House" for more information on your stay.

The Onion House does have limitations that make it unsuitable for younger children (under 12) or individuals who have difficulties with stairs and/or mobility. The owners do no allow guests under 12 years of age. Please contact us for further information. In addition, the Onion House is most ideal for smaller groups of 2-4.

The rates quoted are for two guests. Additional guests have an additional fee of $25/person/day added to the quote identified in a separate line as "additional guest fee."

Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented strict vacation rental regulations which must be clearly published on this site. The Onion House has been officially licensed by the County. Common sense rules apply to guests:
(A) Quiet hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., during which time the noise from the STVR shall not unreasonably disturb adjacent neighbors.
(B) Sound that is audible beyond the property boundaries during non-quiet hours shall not be more excessive than would be otherwise associated with a residential area.
(C) Guest vehicles shall be parked in the designated onsite parking area.
(D) The STVR shall not be used for commercial purposes.
The STVR Registration Number is: STVR-19-361289
The Nonconforming Use Certificate Number is: NUC-19-1205
("Nonconforming" basically means that our vacation rental is not located in a resort zone.)
Hawaii State Tax ID # GE-157-258-9568-01, TAT: T-157-258-9568

Property manager

Terri Watson

Premier Host

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Ocean view

Ocean view

Pool

Hot Tub

Kitchen

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 12

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

No children under 12 due to safety concerns.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking outdoors on deck only.

Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented new vacation rental regulations - as a licensed rental, we share them in the rental agreement.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Property Registration Number 3770090520000, TA-157-258-9568-01, GE-157-258-9568-01

About the neighborhood

Kailua-Kona

Located near the beach, this vacation home is in Holualoa Village, a neighborhood in Kailua-Kona. Holualoa Gallery and Hulihee Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Kona Le'a Plantation and KBXtreme. UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate and Kona Community Aquatic Center are also worth visiting.

View more Vacation Homes in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, HI

What's nearby

Magic Sands Beach - 5 min drive
Keauhou Shopping Center - 6 min drive
Kahalu'u Beach Park - 6 min drive
Kailua Pier - 7 min drive
Kailua-Kona Wharf - 7 min drive

Getting around

Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

On The Rocks - 6 min drive
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse - 6 min drive
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - 5 min drive
Laverne's Sports Bar - 6 min drive
Magics Beach Grill - 5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" located?

Located in Holualoa Village, this vacation home is within 2 mi (3 km) of Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden, Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, and Kona Le'a Plantation. Donkey Mill Art Center and Magic Sands Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

debbie n.

Apr 30, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A living piece of art

I've dreamed of staying at the Onion House for about 25 years. I saw it on an Amazing Vacation Homes tv show and promised myself that some day I would visit the Big Island and stay at the Onion House. One might think that a crazy, unique home built in the 60's would lose its charm. Maybe it would be in disrepair or need some TLC. Not the Onion House. It is still a living piece of art and it's timeless. I found something new to look at every time I walked through the house. It's simply spectacular! The pool is huge - (it's freezing this time of year though so we didn't use it much). The location is perfect and very close to Kona and all the restaurants. The beds are comfortable and the amenities are great. The house is perfect for two couples and a child or even three couples if you are family or close friends. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave U.

Mar 19, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like being in another world!

This amazing property was our home away from home for a too short 5 weeks. There are tons of things to do on the big island, but nobody wanted to leave the pool and this absolute work of art house! Jeanne the manager was extremely helpful and made us feel at home. The most enjoyable trip ever!

Stayed 37 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn F.

Jan 28, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A once in a lifetime must

This property is a must experience. You will never stay anywhere like it. Built in the 1970s it has been well preserved. The atmosphere on the property makes you feel like you are staying in a far away oasis but it is actually in town with surrounding neighbors. The Onion House has also been named as one of the top 10 places on the Island to view a magnificent sunset. The pool is cool and refreshing. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Such a great space for friends and family. I highly recommend. The only drawbacks may be the parking is tricky if you are driving a larger vehicle (ie Jeep Wagoneer) and if the neighbors are cutting trees on the neighboring property it can ruin the ambiance. We had chainsaws running one day of our stay starting at 7 in the morning. Only a big deal if you are spending your day on property Not a big deal if you are going to be out for the day. Otherwise, the evenings were quite peaceful.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin V.

Jan 8, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place!

This place is very unique and beautiful! We love the history book it came with.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Dec 7, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Excellent

A great 10 night stay and the Onion House. The house is so unique and interesting. The pool is huge and super clean. Great views of the Pacific. Do pay attention to the description provided of the house as it is accurate and not for everyone. The wall panels are half screen and half window or door, so it is sort of inside/outside living. There is a fair number of stairs and hard edges, so not for the very young or infirm. All in all, we loved it!

Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Terri Watson

The Onion House was purchased by Harry and Barbara Last from the McCormick family a few years ago. Barbara had wanted to visit this architectural wonder some time ago and when she learned that the property was for sale, she insisted that they book their stay immediately. Upon awakening in the Onion House the very first morning, Harry fell in love with the unique architecture and as well the engineering structural aspects of the overall property. They both decided that they wanted to be the purchasers, not only to enjoy for their family, but also to continue to preserve and maintain this wonderful property for guests as well. Poring over the construction details of the Onion House also brought back memories. Many years ago in the late 1970’s, Barbara and Harry, a mechanical engineer and inventor, designed, and built by hand a hillside home in the Vancouver, B.C. area, complete with an indoor swimming pool for their three children, all in competitive swimming. In order to combat humidity in the pool area, Harry soon became interested in automatic pool covers, which eventually led to him founding a business in that industry, which still exist as a closely held family business today.

Barbara and Harry will continue to connect with Beth McCormick (the former owner) as an advisor on the maintenance and preservation of the property. Guest contact will be facilitated by Terri Watson, who has also managed guest relations on another Hawaii property for the Lasts. Property Manager Jeanne Awai, along with her staff, who have managed the gardening and maintenance and welcomed the guests to the property for many years, will be staying on as well.

Why they chose this property

There's no place on earth like this. It's a wildly original form of architecture, distinct from any other structure, hand-built by architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg. It combines the indoor-outdoor living that defines Hawaii with visionary, organic architecture. You've never seen anything like this.

What makes this property unique

A unique part of Hawaiian history, the Onion House is a pivotal piece of the McCormick family history, commissioned by prior owner Beth McCormick's favorite aunt, 'Auntie Dofeen.' and build by well known architect Kendrick Kellogg Bangs of organic architecture renown.

This home is Kellogg's first piece as both architect and builder, and launched the Organic Architecture movement of the Mid-Century Modern craze that dominated Southern California. Kellogg went on to build well-known works such as The High Desert House in Joshua Tree, CA, Lotus House, Wingsweep, the Hoshino Wedding Chapel in Japan and Charthouse restaurant in Rancho Mirage, CA.

We have the opportunity to share this home with guests from around the world, who bring friends and family to celebrate special moments in their lives. Many of our guests are repeat visitors, and the "Onion House Family" spans the globe.

Of note: The Onion House isn't for everyone......
The Onion House is not suitable for families with young children (less than 12), or for those who have difficulty with steps, due to safety considerations inherent in its design. We make no representation of the house as accessible.
Smoking outside only, please.
The Onion House is true Organic Architecture - it is not a climate controlled, sterile resort- like location. There is no air-conditioning (we use many fans!). It is truly indoor/outdoor living in a shelter of roof, screen, glass and rock cooled by nature passive design.